Chief--I hate to see anybody close, doubly so when it's someone as influential as Andy.
Davt--got it. I wonder who the Marley would be in this story?
Davt--got it. I wonder who the Marley would be in this story?
The Hub: News, events, gossip - Sound by Singer to close
AZ twins: audio is full of ex-attorneys. Not an accusation, just a comment. Ironically, most manufacturers I know NEED a good attorney. Srwooten: what, think that was over the top? Eh, maybe. One gets carried away on occasion. Davt: Four ghosts? Weren't there only three? Bird: Sorry to hear of the issues. Scoundrels on the internet? I'm shocked, shocked I tell you! Pookie: thanks for the kind comment. Gomer: thanks for the not so kind comment! |
Pep: I seriously doubt that all audio sales will become web-based. The web does make for a different sales environment which many brick and mortars have used to expand their reach and customer base. It ain't ALL bad, by any means! Davey: No telling what the cause is. Thanks for your comment. Ferrari: I'm used to more congenial comments from you. Now here's another one Peter will never let me forget. Thanks? ;-> 2001:I agree with you. It's easy to criticize manufacturers, distributors and dealers, but it takes guts to take stands and put your money where your mouth is. Thanks for your comment. |
Ferrari: great story. Thanks. Map: If they're gonna do that, why not just have a security guard like they do at Tiffany? Loom: dunno what to tell you. Never been that much of a masochist, and been in audio too long to put up with nonsense. Chaz: I live in Florida. Don't need to see a documentary; the political campaign ads make 'Scarface' look like a Disney cartoon. TP: C'mon, don't discourage the newbies! Garvin: that makes too much sense to work. Thanks, though. Nil:Somehow, I don't think it was Andy. ;-> Thanks, all for the great comments. |
Thanks for the comments, all. I'm especially glad to read positive comments about dealers who, along with manufacturers and distributors, are the risk-takers in a difficult and unpredictable field. I got out of retail ages ago when it became obvious to me that I would eventually murder a customer. The level of demands imposed by customers often seems inversely proportional to the amount of the customer's purchases. I have a great deal of respect for anyone who can operate in any type of sales, especially retail sales, and maintain a pleasant demeanor and provide good service. It ain't easy. Music: you're right about the number of highly skilled folks who worked for and with Andy. That's why I made a point of bringing up Messrs. Guttenberg and DeVore, two of the most dedicated and pleasant gents I know. Thanks again to you all for taking the time to comment. |
Speaking of Steve Guttenberg, his blog today addresses concerns on the subject of brick and mortar survival: Cnet Article |
Davey: Years ago when I was in the racing industry in Memphis, a guy walked into our showroom wearing overalls and muddy boots. As the junior salesman, I looked to see if any of the other guys were going to help the farmer at the counter. No one did. Reluctantly, I went to wait on him. He asked intelligent questions about a number of expensive engine components. I answered to the best of my ability, and eventually he said, "I'll take 'em". Still skeptical, I filled out the sales ticket for about $5000 in parts and asked, "how would you like to pay, Sir?" He simply said, "cash", and pulled out the proverbial horse-choker roll of bills from his overall pocket, peeling off a stack of hundreds. We all know better than to judge by appearances, but we all do it. Whether we think we do, or not. |
Bj, Z, Macro, Fig,AZ, Moon: to each his own. Each of your comments contain truth. Dan: thanks for cutting to the chase. There are few businesses where one can spend appreciable amounts of time before wrapping up (literally or figuratively) a purchase as one can in an audio salon. There are those amongst us who turn stores into a replacement of mom and dad's rec room, a place to gather and consume time and energy without thought of material or human cost. Well, after a point, mom and dad don't appreciate it, and neither do retailers. Also like mom and dad, retailers do appreciate a bit of honesty, an occasional inkling of appreciation, and perhaps, a periodic infusion of cash. Thanks to all who took the time to post their thoughts regarding Sound by Singer, about the state of audio retailing, and life in general. The Hub will continue its coverage of the state of audio retailing with a review of economic events of the past few years. We will of course focus on the world of audio, but as you may have noticed, things are tough all over. We ask you to ponder this question, with regards to the audio industry: Just how bad is it? |